40% bribes for leaders, officials in Chhattisgarh-ED
Raipur | Correspondent: The Enforcement Directorate ED has alleged that officers and politicians in Chhattisgarh were taking commissions of up to 40 percent from District Mineral Foundation DMF funds. The ED also reported that it seized or froze ₹1.11 crore in cash during raids conducted as part of the investigation into the matter.
According to an ED release Directorate of Enforcement, Raipur has carried out search operations on 9-10 August four locations in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra linked to DMF (District Mineral Fund) scam under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. During the search operations, cash and bank balances amounting to Rs.1.11 Crore has been seized/freezed.
ED initiated investigation on the basis of 03 different FIRs registered by Chhattisgarh Police under various sections of Indian Penal Code, 1860 for involvement in siphoning off of the exchequer money by DMF contractors in collusion with officials of the State Government and political executives.
This case is related to corruption in the use of funds from the District Mineral Fund in Chhattisgarh.
DMF is a trust funded by miners that have been set up in all districts of Chhattisgarh with an aim to work for the benefits of those affected by mining related projects and activities.
ED investigation revealed that the contractors have paid huge amount of commission/ illegal gratification to officials and political executives, which is to the tune of 25% to 40% of the contract value.
Cash used for payment of kickbacks was generated by the vendors using accommodation entries.
The search was conducted on the entry providers and their patrons wherein various incriminating details, many dummy proprietorship entity and huge cash were found.
As a result of search & seizure operation, cash amounting to Rs.76.50 Lakh has been seized; 8 bank accounts belonging to entry provider firms have also been freezed having an account balance of approximately Rs. 35 Lakh.
Various Stamps belonging to dummy firms and other incriminating documents and digital devices have also been seized.
